Good coaches are hard to come by, and soccer Coach Jimmy Dowell is nothing short of a diamond in the rough among other coaches. Last year’s Coach of the Year, Dowell has been leading the Wolfpack’s boys soccer team for 13 years.

“Coach Dowell prepares us for district games as if each of them is a championship game,” junior Jonathan Kang said. “Our new district is extremely tough and includes four teams that made it past the third round of playoffs last year.”

Despite the challenges that lie ahead for the team, they are already off to a good start. On Jan. 27, the varsity team beat Plano Senior 1-0 with a goal from freshman Whalen Shinn.

“This year’s team is much younger than last year’s,” junior Garrett Hairston said, “but we have a lot of returning varsity players as well, so we have quite a bit of experience.”

However, in practice and during games, age is an irrelevant factor. Instead, Dowell stresses the importance of playing as a team rather than individually.

“Because we try to have the same goals each year, we are always trying to improve as a team,” Dowell said. “That is the best way to look at each season, so that everyone has a common goal.”

Leading his team at University of Tulsa in scoring and assists, it is safe to say that Coach Dowell knows what he is doing when it comes to soccer. His extensive coaching career has led him to create many successful teams over the years, including last year’s team who placed second in the district.

“Each game is vital for our goal of reaching the State tournament in April,” Kang said, “but with Coach Dowell guiding us and the team working hard, I know we can make it.”

Dowell has made a lasting impression on his players, who will be able to take his lessons with them long after being a part of the Wolfpack. His coaching abilities combined with his ethics makes for not only successful soccer players, but also for successful teams.

“He is a great coach,” Hairston said. “He puts a lot of emphasis on us becoming a family and working hard for each other.”